NIT Tickets Give Fans Unique Opportunity

UNC Athletic Communications

03/17/2003

For those Carolina fans who want an upclose view of a game at the Smith Center, Tuesday night's NIT first round matchup against DePaul may be just the ticket you have been waiting for. Because of the quick turnaround time between Sunday night's selection and Tuesday's tipoff, most tickets for the NIT game will be general admission, meaning three-quarters of the lower level seats will be first-come, first-served. Smith Center doors will open at 7 p.m.

Only sections 105-112 (behind the two team benches) will be reserved in the lower level.

"We are excited to still be playing in a national tournament," says Carolina head coach Matt Doherty. "This is a great opportunity for our team to continue to grow and develop, not only this year but for next season. The experience and exposure you can get by playing in the NIT are very valuable.

"I hope we will have a great crowd for this postseason game," says Doherty. "The Smith Center fans have been incredible this year. They've been great every year. Our crowds have given us a definite homecourt advantage and it's important we have that same edge against a very good DePaul team.

"I want to thank our fans, especially our students, for creating such a phenomenal atmosphere for the game against Duke. Our students deserve a lot of appreciation for postponing the start of their spring break and cheering on their Tar Heels. That meant a lot to our players and staff."

This is Carolina's fifth appearance in the NIT. Carolina won the tournament in 1971 and also played in the event in 1970, 1973 and 1974.

The DePaul Blue Demons are 16-12. They finished 8-8 in Conference USA play, with wins over Cincinnati, Charlotte and Louisville, a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Demons are coached by former Connecticut assistant Dave Leitao.

The winner of the Carolina-DePaul game will meet the winner of Wyoming-Eastern Washington at a site and on a date to be determined later.

Tickets went on sale this morning at 8 a.m. Tickets may be purchased over the phone at 1-800-722-4335 or 919-962-2296 or by fax at 919-962-5529. Tickets may also be purchased at the Smith Center Box Office on Monday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Fans are encouraged to pick up will call tickets in advance. Tickets purchased on Monday will be available beginning Tuesday at 8 a.m.

Tickets are $15. Seating will also be first-come, first-served in all upper-level sections from row E-Y.

Student tickets are $5. Students may purchase four (4) student tickets with each UNC OneCard. Student riser seating will NOT be in effect for this game.